Enhancing quality of life of families who use adult day services: Short-and long-term effects of the adult day services plus program

Citation Gitlin, L., Reever, K., Dennis, M., Mathieu, E. & Hauck, W. (2006). Enhancing quality of life of families who use adult day services: Short-and long-term effects of the adult day services plus program. The Gerontologist, 46(5), 630-639.

Design Quasi-experimental design

Participants The participants of this study were 129 caregivers

Outcome / Dependent Variables The following were the dependent variables of this study: Caregiver depression (measured on the CES-D), Caregiver burden (measured on the Zarit Burden Interview), Memory and Problem Behaviors and Self-efficacy (measured on the Zarit and Zarit Memory and Problem Behaviors scale), perceived change in well-being, time for healthy behaviors checklist (REACH II) and use of ADS and nursing home placement

Procedure The study recruited participants from 2 adult day centers offering adult day services and ADS Plus (social worker providing care management and support to caregivers through face-to-face and telephone contact. Education, counseling and referral services offered for 12 months). The study recruited participants from 1 adult day center offering only routine adult day services (control).

Outcomes At 3-month follow-up ADS Plus participants reported less depression, improved confidence managing behaviors and enhanced well-being compared to controls. Long-term effects (6 & 12 mo follow-up) showed ADS Plus parts continued to report less depression and enhanced confidence managing behaviors compared to controls. Intervention parts used ADS on average 37 days more than controls and had fewer nursing home placements than controls.

Author Gitlin, L., Reever, K., Dennis, M., Mathieu, E. & Hauck, W.